EN 
PT 
UZ 
FR 
DE 
IT 
RU 
ES 
HE 
AR EV charging cost is a key concern for electric vehicle owners, as it directly affects the overall operating cost and long-term sustainability of the vehicle.
EV charging comes with different considerations than gas stations. It’s because charging costs vary extensively by location, rates, and refueling speed. It’s difficult to identify the most affordable approach.
This article will explore common electric car charging cost scenarios and also provide tips on how to minimize them for powering EV routes.
How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car?
Electric car charging costs may vary depending on various factors. Let’s explore typical charging prices.
1. Charging EVs at Home: Only Electricity Fee
Charging an electric car at home usually only involves electricity bills, which are calculated based on the electricity price of the household. Due to the usually low electricity prices, the cost of charging at home is relatively low.
Let’s examine the average cost to charge an electric car in the Netherlands and France based on average electricity rates. These are €0.48/kWh in the Netherlands [1] versus €0.25/kWh in France. [2] Electric car charging cost for 60kWh, 90kWh, and 100kWh batteries is:
| Battery Capacity (kWh) | Cost in the Netherlands (€) | Cost in France (€) |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | 28.8 | 15 |
| 90 | 43.2 | 22.5 |
| 100 | 48 | 25 |
Due to the fact that your electric vehicles won’t fully discharge, the actual electricity cost to charge EVs is generally lower.
2. Charging EVs in the Workplace
The expanding availability of workplace EV charging aids adoption and reduces the average cost to charge an electric car. It also supports environmental goals. Electric charging cost options include:
Free EV Charging
Some companies may provide free workplace EV charging services as a benefit to encourage employees to use electric vehicles without charging any fees.
Charging Service Fees and Electricity Bills
Under this model, the price to charge electric cars may cover per kWh electricity consumption and potential additional provider charges. For example, at a unit price of $0.3/kWh, the EV car charging cost for a 60kWh battery would be around $18 at a charging point, excluding variable service fees.
3. Charging EVs at Public Charging Stations
Public charging stations expand EV adoption options, especially for families without home chargers. The charging speed of charging stations, commercial electricity prices, and the number of users significantly affect the electric car charging cost.
Generally, there are two pricing methods for public charging stations:
Time-based Pricing
This method charges based on charging time rather than electricity consumption. It is commonly found in places with high charging demand, encouraging quick turnover. The charging rules may vary in different locations.
For example, a station may charge $25 for charging every 30 minutes, approximately adding nearly a hundred miles of range. This simplifies the calculation of charging costs for electric vehicles, but the fees may be relatively high.
Electricity-based Pricing
Under the model of electricity-based pricing, the price to charge electric cars is directly related to electricity consumption, reflecting actual energy consumed and the price of charging an electric car.
The typical electric car charging cost for Level 2 is $0.20 to $0.30 per kWh. DC fast charging is within the $0.40 to $0.60 per kWh range.
How to Save EV Charging Costs?
Minimizing electric car charging costs requires evaluating several approaches. Let’s explore some helpful strategies to optimize the price of charging an electric car:
1. Use Home Charging as Much as Possible
Charging the EV battery at home using residential electricity is the most cost-effective option. The cost to charge electric car at home is significantly lower than public options. Not to mention, you also avoid service and parking fees altogether.
Moreover, for those installing solar panels at home, using solar power for charging further reduces electricity bills.
2. Start Charging During Off-peak Hours
Taking advantage of off-peak hours, usually in overnight hours between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., means lower prices than daytime power. Starting the charge late and stopping it in the morning leverages the cheaper period of electric car charging cost, maximizing savings on the monthly electricity bill.
3. Search for Charging Points With Low or No Parking Fees
When using public charging stations, car owners can choose charging stations with free parking or lower parking fees. Some parking lots where charging stations are located may charge parking fees. When charging takes a long time, it can be a significant expense.
4. End Charging When Reaching an 80-90% Battery Level
The correct charging method can not only extend battery life but also save charging costs to a certain extent. During fast charging, car owners do not need to wait until the battery is full before ending the charging process.
The charging efficiency of batteries is relatively low when they are close to full charge. Therefore, ending charging when the battery reaches 80% or 90% can reduce energy waste and protect the battery.
5. Slow Charging is Cheaper Than Fast Charging
While faster charging sounds convenient, it consumes more power, leading to higher electric car charging costs. Opting for slower charging whenever time permits results in considerable cost savings. Faster options are best for road travel or emergencies rather than daily scenarios.
6. Compare Different Charging Point Prices
With advanced trip planning, you can identify affordable station operators with competitive per-kWh fees. Find them in locations that are convenient for your daily commutes or longer trips. Taking the time to compare charging options can give you lower electric car charging costs.
7. Efficient Driving
Some efficient driving habits, such as avoiding rapid acceleration, high-speed driving, and frequent braking, as well as using air conditioning and heaters reasonably, can reduce energy consumption and thus reduce EV car charging costs.
Save Charging Costs with Reliable Home EV Charging Stations
EV charging stations with efficient energy conversion also play a crucial role in saving electric charging costs. At EVB Charger, we believe convenient home charging should also be efficient. Our EV charging solution helps reduce the cost to charge EVs through efficient energy transfer and intelligent charging control.
We offer efficient products, such as the Dual Socket AC EV Charger, 22kW Type 2 AC EV Charger, and Floor-mounted AC EV Charger. They offer:
- Control: View real-time and historic charging data and schedule sessions through our mobile app for optimized energy use.
- Savings: Set to charge at low electricity prices to save electric car charging costs.
- Protection: Intelligent systems protect circuits, connectors, and vehicles from temperature or leak issues, protecting your investment.
- High Performance: Dynamic load balancing can optimize energy use, and the integration with a solar power system saves you electricity bills.
- Safety and Compliance: Rigorously tested products meet evolving technical standards.
- Inclusive Software:The intuitive platform simplifies payments, access control, and reporting.
Conclusion
Overall, identifying the most economical charging scenarios based on individual needs and driving patterns is key. When possible, leverage affordable home charging integrated with smart energy management. Evaluate public charging pricing models but prioritize electricity-based fees for accurate payment.
At EVB Charger, our aim is to save the cost to charge electric car at home through smart features and eco-friendly integration. Visit our website to explore our residential EV charging stations tailored for budget-friendly driving.
